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Author Notes: Have a large amount of fresh cranberries and some great apple cider, and it looks like I'm ready to piece together quite a hot toddy. This one is great hot or cold. I like the combination of cranberry, apple, cinnamon and an accent of orange. I make a big batch of candied orange peel (that I freeze), and I used a piece in this drink as a edible garnish. The twist is that I candy the orange peel in a spiced cranberry juice mixture, to give it a little extra color and flavor. —foodfighter

Makes 4

candied orange peel

2 oranges (i.e. valencia)

1piece star anise

1piece cinnamon stick

2cups cranberry juice

1cup water

3cups sugar

I cut off top and bottom of oranges, then peel and cut peel into thin strips a quarter of an inch wide. I boil and drain the peels 2-3 times to get rid of bitterness.

bring cranberry juice, water and 2.5 cups of sugar to a boil.

Add strips of orange peel, star anise and cinnamon stick reduce heat and simmer for about 35-40 minutes. Drain and reserve syrup for other use.

Allow strips to cool, then toss with remaining .5 cup of sugar, and let dry. Remaining can be stored in fridge for a couple days or freezer at least a month.

Drink Assembly

8ounces Cranberry Wine (Tart)

4ounces Goldschlager

8ounces Apple Cider

1handful cranberries

2 cinnamon stick (3 inch)

cinnamon sugar

Combine wine, Goldschlager and Cider. My cider was very sweet. If yours is not, sweeten mixture to taste.

Add Cranberries and cinnamon stick and heat gently until warm. A slow cooker works well for this.